Parc national des Virunga. 18/01/96; Nord-Kivu; 800,000 ha; 01°15'S 029°30'E. World Heritage site. Lying astride the equator and situated in the African Rift Valley, the site contains most tropical biotopes and boasts some of the most substantial concentrations of wild mammals in Africa, or indeed in the world. The Park fringes several biogeographical regions, includes volcanoes recent in origin and still active, and two large lakes. The area is important feeding and wintering ground for migratory birds and is one of the few places where mountain gorilla can be studied in their natural environment. The large mammals include endangered and endemic species. Archaeologically important, the oldest stone tools in the world have been discovered along the lake shores. Human activities include tourism, conservation education, fishing, hunting, subsistence farming and agroforestry (fuelwood). There is a research center in the park. Ramsar site no. 787.